Evoke a G14 or a G12 would be more accurate

A exceptional time, exceptional Summit. The heads of State and Government of the G8 Summit that opens today in L'Aquila under Italian presidency goes far beyond a simple meeting of routine between the top eight countries in the world. Witness: the G8 format is limited to only one day. Economic and financial crisis obliges, the enclosure is expanded in the large emerging countries (South Africa, Brazil, China, India, Mexico) with the presence of several African leaders. Evoke a G14 or a G12 would be more accurate.

Records on the table are many. World economic situation, global warming, food crisis, reform of global governance, assistance to the development of poor countries, Iran situation, terrorism... The main leaders of the planet will not too two whole days to discuss all of these topics. Which leave little time for bilateral talks. The head of the French State, Nicolas Sarkozy, in has been made that one, this afternoon, with his Russian counterpart, Dimitri Medvedev. Even the traditional dinner bringing together the heads of State and their wives is not programmed, replaced by a dinner hosted by the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, where it will be question of aid to Africa.

Located in the region affected by an earthquake last April, in solidarity with the populations affected, the Summit is placed under the sign of the sobriety and the studious work. More than a dozen final statements should be adopted before noon Friday.

The main folder will be devoted to the fight against global warming with point focus the Copenhagen Conference in December. Hence the presence of the Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, debates. "We will try to include in our final declaration the objective to limit to 2 degrees warmer by 2050, which implies a reduction in emissions of CO2 by 50 at this time", it indicates in the Elysee Palace.

Resistance to overcome

The debate will be to distribute fairly everyone's efforts to ensure the success of Copenhagen. But the discussions are likely to be stormy. "We are witnessing the further consequences of two centuries of industrialisation and a consumerist lifestyle in developed countries." "They should assume their historic responsibilities, thus found the head of the Government of India, Manmohan Singh, before leaving for the Summit.

Another major theme: economic situation and reform of global governance. Then again, if progress is tangible, in particular in terms of the fight against tax havens, other areas show a number of resistors and brake. Yesterday, in a forum published by Nicolas Sarkozy and his Brazilian counterpart Lula in "Release" and the "Herald Tribune", the two leaders have called for more. For them, "the mandates of international institutions must be redefined and in several areas, economic security, of energy to the environment".

The world has changed. In particular, the IMF's governance structure must be adapted, and the UN Security Council. Doha round must be completed. The head of the French State will also defend the idea of better regulation of the oil market, including price volatility handicaps the world economy.